The inaugural season of live theater on the West Side continues Dec. 9 with the Showfolk Daytime Performance Series for youth at Westinghouse College Prep, 3223 W. Franklin Blvd.
As a follow up to the opening of Flow in October, eta Creative Arts Foundation presents The Tree That Grew Human.
The play addresses social issues that are prevalent in today’s society – violence, bullying, greed, friendship and hope.
“I’m excited that eta and Westinghouse partnered in presenting live theater to the underserved youth population on the West Side,” said Kemati Porter, eta Creative Arts Foundation’s producing director.
“Art is essential to the health and vitality of our children and communities where they reside. Accessibility is key. Plays provide a dramatic examination of real circumstances experienced daily in the lives of our students. The theatrical lens allows students a safe distance to grapple with depression, loneliness, hopes, friendships and how to choose positive options for conflict resolution,” Porter said
The Tree That Grew Human by Thomas Meloncon is a story as old as human life itself. It’s an African tale of friendship, hope, greed and love. Shango the bully, Mapati the timid and Kwame the visionary take a magical journey into the forest to look for water for their village – a journey that will soon reveal that without friendship there is no love, and without water there is no life!
The play is supported by a comprehensive study guide that serves as an in-class tool for teachers to assist students’ comprehension of major themes, give historical background, develop vocabulary, and spark further research and reading on topics specific to the plays.
The show starts at 10 a.m. Tickets are $6 at the door; $5 each for groups of 25 or more. Proceeds support programs at Westinghouse College Prep.
Parking is available in the school lot (on Franklin Blvd). Street parking is also available.
For more info, contact 773-752-3955 or e-mail info@etacreativearts.org